Tag | interpretation-of-the-bible

The Bible is the best-selling book of all time. But it’s far more than a book of great literature or high moral concepts. Today we begin our discussion on “Discovering the Bible” by emphasizing the necessity of approaching the Bible with a “high view.” Learn what it means to have a “high view of Scripture” when you join the group today on "Discover the Word"!

What does the apostle Paul mean when he says all Scripture is “inspired,” or “God breathed”? Today on "Discover the Word," we will discuss why it’s important for us to read the Bible with a listening ear to the Holy Spirit. The Bible is not static, it’s alive and powerful. Don’t miss the discussion!

Paul tells us in Romans that the Bible was written for our instruction, that “through perseverance and encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” But what does that mean exactly? How does “persevering” in our understanding of the Bible help us with our present-day struggles and temptations? Don’t miss this important conversation today on "Discover the Word"!

While the Bible instructs us in practical living, it’s also a book of mystery. With God, A plus B doesn’t always equal C! Today on "Discover the Word," we're told how to deal with those times when what we thought we understood about God is challenged!

Today on "Discover the Word," we conclude our week-long discussion about how the Bible helps us discover who God is. In the gospel of John, we read “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.” And then that Word came to dwell among us. The Word—is Jesus. Discovering the Living Word through the written Word. It’s a powerful truth that will transform how you read the Bible.

The Bible has a number of confusing texts that bemuse, baffle, and befuddle us! So how do we make sense of them? Today on Discover the Word, we set out to explore some “Mysterious Bible Texts” starting with 1 Corinthians 15 where Paul talks about “being baptized for the dead.” That’s a head scratcher until you understand this verse in its…

This week on Discover the Word, join a series of conversations that examine some mysterious texts in the Bible. Today, we will discuss Ephesians 4:8–10, where the apostle Paul quotes Psalm 68 with all its strange talk about “ascending” and “descending” and conquering kings who either take or give gifts. It sounds almost like a riddle until you grasp the…

Being finite beings, we’re limited in how much we can understand. And that’s why some Bible passages really challenge us. Today on Discover the Word, the team will discuss 1 Peter 3:18–20 where Peter talks about Christ’s spirit “preaching to the spirits in prison.” It’s another one of those strange texts that remind us that sometimes we just need to humbly…

“What’s going on here?” How many times have you asked that while reading your Bible? Well, as we reveal today on Discover the Word it’s so often all about the context! Context can help us understand mysterious texts, like in Jude 9 where it talks about Michael the archangel disputing with the devil about the body of Moses. What?! Well, see if…

It’s a question about the Bible that people have asked through the centuries. Who exactly were the sons of God who married the daughters of men back in the Old Testament? Were they angels, demons or demon-possessed men? There are a number of possible explanations. Today on Discover the Word, we will talk about all the theories attached to Genesis…

Today on Discover the Word, the group kicks off another segment in an ongoing series on the life of the Old Testament prophet Elisha. His was definitely an amazing life, so be part of the group as they explore “The Miraculous Life of Elisha” together. Be encouraged by God’s amazing power, today on Discover the Word!

Following God isn’t always easy, but one thing we can be pretty sure of is that when we’re “looking out for number one,” and that number one is me, we’re headed down a wrong path. Today on Discover the Word, the group digs into “The Miraculous Life of Elisha” to find out who “number one” always is. Don’t miss today on…

How concerned is God with the small, everyday things in our lives? Well, today on Discover the Word as we look back at “The Miraculous Life of Elisha,” we see how concerned God was with the loss of a borrowed tool. The miracle of the floating ax head—discover what that’s all about when you listen to Discover the Word!

Today on Discover the Word the group focuses on a keen insight into the obvious that we find throughout the Bible—God knows the future, and we don’t. Another example of that as we look at the “Miraculous Life of Elisha” once again today. You’ll be encouraged . . . right here on Discover the Word!

Miracles can be weird! Flaming chariots, healing leprosy, by their very definition, miracles aren’t things that happen every day! So how do we understand the many miracles God performed through the life of the Old Testament prophet Elisha? Today on Discover the Word, we continue the series on “The Miraculous Life of Elisha.” Tune in today onDiscover the Word!

Have you ever heard a song that perfectly describes how you feel? Songs can powerfully communicate emotions that resonate with our souls! And today on Discover the Word, we find that the Psalms contain all kinds of songs including songs of lament. But as we’ll see, “Songs of Lament” are also “Songs of Hope.” Finish off a look at Psalm…

When things get tough, who ya gonna call? Well, it’s true that trials and troubles truly reveal where we put our trust! Today on Discover theWord, we discuss the one thing we can always trust: God’s perfect love. This conversation is for anyone struggling to trust God more, which would be all of us! Don’t miss Discover the Word!

Today on Discover the Word, the group continues their series this week about Psalm 13 titled, “A Song of Lament and Hope.” It’s all about how lament and hope are not opposites, and how God faithfully responds to our requests, especially when we need Him most! It’s an encouraging truth for anyone and everyone, so be listening today on Discover the Word!

The Bible makes it clear that God calls us to offer care and compassion for the poor. The Old Testament prophets were burdened for the poor. In fact, Isaiah told God's people that it was better to help the needy than to fast.

The Bible is full of what sound like amazing promises from God. but do all those ancient assurances apply to us today? Join us as we continue investigating Psalm 91, and discover whether it contains promises we can claim for ourselves.

Today on "Discover the Word," we conclude the two-week discussion about doing what we can for Jesus with what we’ve been given. Through Mary of Bethany’s courageous act of passionate devotion to Jesus, we’re invited to become part of the ongoing story. Mary is our example of how the world could change if each of us gave what we had in response to the One who gave us everything.

Today on "Discover the Word," we continue to peel back the layers of the story of Mary of Bethany and the alabaster jar. What we discover is that Mary wasn’t the only outsider in that room full of religious men. Simon the Leper had been an outcast before Jesus healed him. Ever feel like you’re on the outside looking in? Then be part of the group today right here on "Discover the Word"!

Today on "Discover the Word," we conclude week one of the discussion on doing what we can for Jesus with what we’ve been given. Today’s discussion contrasts the two women whose act of passionate devotion for Jesus led them both to anoint Him with perfume. One woman, Mary of Bethany, did this out of love with the purpose of preparing Jesus’ body for burial. The other woman anointed her Savior in grateful response to having been forgiven.

If your friends around the table could only give you one piece of advice about how to read and study the Bible, what do you think it would be? Most likely, it would be “Pay attention to the context!” and so today on "Discover the Word," we remember that context is king! Listen today on "Discover the Word"!

Even a bottle labeled “fruit juice” can contain a large amount of artificial fruit flavors. It proves we can be easily fooled by inferior imitations. Let's play the part of produce inspectors and look for evidence that what is happening in our lives is 100 percent fruit of the Spirit!

Whether it’s taking another slice of chocolate cake, or losing our temper when frustrated, self-control can be difficult to maintain. But it’s a virtue we all need! Our study of the fruit of the Spirit continues.

By the world’s standards, gentleness is a weakness, not a virtue! We’ve been taught it’s imperative we stand up for ourselves. Discover that biblical gentleness is not a sign of being feeble—it’s the foundation of true strength! We’re talking about one of the fruits of the Spirit.

Jesus often startled people with unexpected and controversial actions. So it’s no wonder that even His heritage, listed in the book of Matthew, holds some surprises as well. Today, former "Discover the Word" hosts Haddon Robinson and Alice Mathews conclude a week-long dialogue with Dr. Kenneth Bailey about the women in Christ’s family tree. It’s from a classic "Discover the Word" episode that you won’t want to miss.

Although God called David “a man after his own heart,” David still messed up, royally! But he also knew how to repent. Is having a heart after God about perfection or is it about understanding our need for God’s love and forgiveness? Today, we conclude our discussion with "Our Daily Bread for Kids" author Crystal Bowman, on how David learned to know God as a child. It’s a valuable discussion for any parent who wants to teach their child God’s ways.

Today on "Discover the Word," our special guest Margaret Feinberg helps us conclude our discussion about the surprising depth of some of the agrarian images used in the Bible. Today’s conversation comes out of a fruitful visit Margaret had with a vintner that showed her how the long-range perspective a vintner has for growing grapes is the same kind of long-range perspective God has for growing us.

Today on "Discover the Word," special guest Margaret Feinberg helps center our discussion on what Jesus actually meant when He talked about “pruning the vine.” Instead of whacking the vines with a machete, the vinedresser trims the vine gently, branch by branch. We continue our fascinating conversations about the agrarian images used in the Bible as Margaret tells us about time she spent with a vintner learning about “the fruit of the vine.”

Today we’re going to get a bit sheepish on "Discover the Word." And you’re invited to join the flock as our special guest Margaret Feinberg introduces us to some of the agricultural . . . or “agrarian” themes of the Bible. When Margaret interviewed a real-life shepherdess she discovered that sheep are hard wired to respond only to their master’s voice. Learn why the image of God as the Shepherd, and us as sheep is so powerful when you listen today on "Discover the Word"!

Today on "Discover the Word," we wind up a couple of weeks on “The Miraculous Life of Elisha” talking about a miracle that demonstrates God’s provision in a very personal way. Elisha’s miracles were largely public events. Until a distressed widow boldly asked Elisha to help her and her two sons. As we’ll see, the widow did what she could and through Elisha, God performed a miracle of multiplication. Another chapter in “The Miraculous Life of Elisha,” today on "Discover the Word"!

When David talked about “the law of God,” was he talking about the Ten Commandments or something more? Today on "Discover the Word," we will examine, along with "Our Daily Bread for Kids" author Crystal Bowman, Psalm 19 to find the answer. “David As a Child Learner,” that’s the topic today.

If you attended Sunday school, you’ve likely heard the story of Zacchaeus, the little man who climbed up a tree in order to see Jesus. But there’s a lot more to this simple story than meets the eye! Join former "Discover the Word" hosts Haddon Robinson and Alice Mathews as they welcome Dr. Kenneth Bailey for a discussion about the cultural nuances behind the story of Zacchaeus. Join us for this special classic episode on "Discover the Word"!

When David talked about “the law of God,” was he talking about the Ten Commandments or something more? Today on "Discover the Word," we will examine, along with "Our Daily Bread for Kids" author Crystal Bowman, Psalm 19 to find the answer. “David As a Child Learner,” that’s the topic today.

Names can stick with us for years. Perhaps you’ve had labels, nicknames, or reputations haunt you since childhood. Let's study why Jacob’s name made him an unlikely participant in God’s sovereign plan. Our study of Jacob continues.

Caught up in a fight, it’s tempting to throw out accusations in order to win. But to bring a peaceful resolution, we really need to become advocates! Concluding our series on Abigail, and reflecting on how she prevented a deadly disagreement.

Embroiled in conflict, it can feel like we’re held captive to our frustration, anger, and strong opinions. What we need is a good hostage negotiator! Let's look at Abigail as an example of biblical conflict negotiation.

When the nation of Israel was exiled to Babylon, Jeremiah gave the Jewish leaders unexpected direction. He said, "Seek the peace of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf; for in its peace you will have peace." Listen in as we continue our series on Acts 17.

Our world is changing, and change is difficult. So what should our attitude be as we face all the changes in the culture around us? Join us as we start a new series in Acts 17, calling Christians to engage the world.

In the book of James, we find a radical definition of religion. True religion is not simply knowing about God, but rather, trusting in God. Join us today on "Discover the Word" as we conclude our series on "Pure Religion."

When painful trials put your faith to the test, what is the one thing you need most? Join our special guest, Mark Young, on "Discover the Word" as we discuss why God's wisdom is essential in trying times.

Life is full of trials. Some are small frustrations and others are painful roadblocks. On our program today, our special guest Mark Young explains how our trials help us see God better. Join us today and learn how to look past the pain!

Jesus’s disciples argued about who was going to be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, until Jesus told them that to enter that kingdom they had to become like a child. So what exactly did He mean by that? Today we, along with our guest, "Our Daily Bread for Kids" author Crystal Bowman examine Matthew 18 to find the answer.

You’re invited to join the group today on "Discover the Word" as we explore a few Bible stories about water. John baptizing Jesus . . . Moses turning bitter waters into sweet . . . Christ at the well with the Samaritan woman . . . and the prophet Elisha purifying the waters of Jericho. It’s a theme that has important lessons for our own lives.

Hello Beautiful! If someone said that to you, would you look behind you to see who they were really talking to? Since 96 percent of women surveyed don’t see themselves as beautiful, this would be a common reaction. We'll make the case that “beautiful” is the way God made us to be. We may feel ugly, but Jesus sees us as beautiful. Do you believe that?

Jesus’s death on the cross appeared to be a failed rescue mission. Yet, His final words, “It is finished,” meant the perfect sacrifice had been completed once and for all. Today on "Discover the Word," we will explore the ancient Jewish context of sacrifice. It will give you a deeper understanding of Christ’s atonement for your own sins. That’s today on "Discover the Word"!

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